The Vicariate Apostolic of Central Oceania, comprised of the Friendly Archipelago, the Nuia Group, and Wallis and Futuna islands was established on August 23, 1842; entrusted to the Marist Fathers. Missionaries of the region included Saint Peter Chanel, proto-martyr of Oceania. Name changed to the Vicariate Apostolic of Isole Tonga on April 13, 1937, and then to the Vicariate Apostolic of Isole Tonga e Niue on March 22, 1957. Elevated to the diocese of Tonga on June 21, 1966.